As the trial of former President Trump continues in New York City, tensions escalated outside the courthouse on Thursday. A group of pro-Trump supporters clashed with anti-Trump protesters, prompting police to intervene and separate the conflicting groups. The anti-Trump protesters faced insults and harassment from the pro-Trump demonstrators, who demanded they leave the area. The altercation occurred as the jury deliberates in Trump’s trial, and the outcome is still pending.
Regardless of whether former President Donald Trump is found guilty or acquitted in his criminal trial, the verdict is unlikely to have a significant impact on voters’ perceptions in his 2024 election rematch with President Biden, according to a new national poll. The survey found that two-thirds of registered voters said a guilty verdict would make no difference to their vote in the presidential election, while 17% said it would make them less likely to vote for Trump and 15% said they’d be more inclined to support him. If Trump is acquitted, three-quarters of those surveyed said it wouldn’t impact their vote, with 14% saying a not guilty verdict would make them more likely to back Trump and 9% saying they’d be less likely to vote for him.
Trump supporters gathered outside the New York City courthouse on Wednesday to voice their support and express their belief that Trump is facing a “judicial lynching.” They condemned the Biden administration, blaming it for economic hardship and claiming that it is not representing the interests of Black Americans. Opponents of Trump also gathered, expressing their opposition to his policies and his alleged divisive rhetoric.
A CNN data report shows that public opinion on former President Trump has not shifted during his hush money trial in New York City. Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Americans’ views remain largely consistent, with a vocal minority exhibiting strong emotions on both sides of the issue.
Outside the Manhattan Criminal Court where former President Trump’s trial is taking place, supporters have gathered to express their opposition to what they perceive as a politically motivated prosecution. The trial stems from allegations that Trump improperly concealed an NDA agreement with porn star Stormy Daniels. Supporters denounce this as an attempt to damage the American legal system and express their belief that Trump is being targeted because of his political rivalry with President Biden.
As the New York City criminal trial against former President Trump draws to a close, jury deliberations are set to commence following pivotal jury instructions. Judge Juan Merchan provided guidance on determining Trump’s guilt or innocence, including the controversial instruction that allows for a lack of consensus among jurors on the specific crime committed. Merchan emphasized that mere knowledge of a conspiracy does not constitute guilt, while Michael Cohen’s testimony becomes crucial as it relates to Trump’s potential intent to conceal unlawful payments to Stormy Daniels.
Former President Trump took to Truth Social to voice his frustration with the ongoing trial in New York, calling it a ‘witch hunt’ pushed by President Biden. He also criticized Judge Juan Merchan for his rulings and for imposing a gag order on him. The jury began deliberations on Wednesday after hearing closing arguments from the prosecution and defense. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Closing arguments are set for Tuesday in the criminal trial of former President Trump, where Manhattan prosecutors will present their case against him for allegedly falsifying business records to conceal a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Judge Juan Merchan has denied Trump’s request to speak during the closing arguments. The jury will deliberate on a verdict after hearing summations from both sides.
During the Trump trial in Manhattan, former President Trump made the outlandish claim that President Biden authorized the use of lethal force during the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago. This claim is unsubstantiated and serves as political fodder for conspiracy theorists. Search warrants, executed with probable cause, often involve the potential for forced entry and property seizures, carrying both legal and safety risks for law enforcement. In the case of the Mar-a-Lago search, operational plans that include use-of-force policies are crucial to ensure adherence to legal protocols and to protect against potential legal claims.
Michael Cohen’s testimony in the NY v. Trump trial has raised doubts among jurors about his credibility due to his admission of stealing from the Trump Organization. While prosecutors presented Cohen’s numerous lies as evidence, they missed an opportunity to question him about this specific incident. The defense countered by calling Cohen’s former lawyer, Robert Costello, who claimed Cohen had no information on Trump and had been encouraged to cooperate with prosecutors by Costello. Costello’s unprofessional courtroom behavior led to a stern rebuke from the judge.
